Bangladesh will repatriate any of its nationals detained in India if their citizenship is confirmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Sunday (April 27).

He said, "If any Bangladeshi is detained in India, we will of course take them back. But it must be proven that they are Bangladeshis."

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, the adviser also said Bengali-speaking communities living in India closely resemble Bangladeshis, making verification essential.

On reports of detained Bangladeshis in India, the adviser said Dhaka had so far only seen media reports and had not received any official communication from New Delhi.

"If official communication comes, we will verify whether they are our citizens," he said.

Responding to allegations of harassment against Bangladeshi visa holders, Touhid Hossain said the government would act on any specific complaints received. 

"Those travelling legally with visas are expected to complete their visit and return. If anyone breaks the law, authorities there have the right to take action," he added.

While no travel advisory has been issued yet, the adviser advised Bangladeshis to avoid non-essential travel to India during this period.

On Saturday, Indian authorities claimed to have detained 1,024 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants during raids in Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat.

MSK/SMS